'Benidorm' switches to hour-long format

ITV1 comedy series Benidorm is switching to six hour-long episodes when it returns this summer, creator Derren Litten has revealed.

The actor and writer posted via Twitter: "Don't know if I told you guys, series three all episodes are one-hour long!"

The show, which starred the late Wendy Richard, initially ran with six half-hour episodes in 2007. The following year, it was upped to an eight-episode run.

Litten also said that a one-hour special is to be expected. "With the special we been filming equivalent of 14 episodes," he tweeted.

An ITV spokesperson confirmed the special episode, telling DS it will "follow directly on after series two, so picks up on the beach at the wedding".

It was also confirmed that all the cast are back filming. The one-hour special is expected to air at the end of May.